Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Version
Specs
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gasoline Economic system | B |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A |
| Tall Man | B+ |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 315-horsepower, 2.0-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-Pace automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Class: Sporty/Efficiency Automotive
Nation of Manufacture: Germany
Shade: Mythos Black
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 137
Actual-world gas financial system: 19.9 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 22/31/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Premium Fuel
Base value: $49,640 (not together with $1225 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: Euro Fashion Bundle ($3795)
Value as examined: $53,495
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Wonderful
Professionals and Cons
The good: Thrilling drive expertise, glorious driving place, commonplace AWD
The great: Cabin match and end, loads of cabin space for storing
The not so good: Sophisticated digital interface, costly for a Golf, requires dear premium-grade gasoline
Evaluate
Although usually thought of a tough patch for many automakers, the Eighties did give start to an thrilling new automotive section: the new hatch. A number of the entries within the section grew to become legendary—suppose Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S—and a few have been simply unhappy—Ford Escort GT—however no matter their legacy, these tweaked commuter vehicles did show to clients that enjoyable and practicality needn’t be unique ideas.
1983 Rabbit GTI
And no dialog about sizzling hatches could be full with out acknowledgment of Volkswagen’s pioneering effort, the GTI. Based mostly on the maker’s humble—however pleasant—Rabbit, the GTI debuted within the U.S. for the 1983 mannequin 12 months, and would perpetually change the best way Individuals considered VW.
Actually only a Rabbit with tuned suspension and upgraded wheels and tires, the GTI proved to be a smash hit with fans in search of reasonably priced enjoyable. The primary GTI didn’t even boast an influence bump over the usual Rabbit, however as the usual 8-valve 1.8-liter was easy and rev-happy, nobody appeared to thoughts.
The Final Golfs
However, occasions change, and together with them buyer sentiment. Not solely do American customers no lengthy need hatchbacks, they not need vehicles usually. Preventing this development is Volkswagen, although in odd method. The Golf (which was once referred to as Rabbit) is not provided in something however hot-hatch trim. For 2025 (and persevering with into 2026) the Golf is barely provided in sporty GTI and intensely sporty R trim.
Engines
The differ primarily in dedication to efficiency and value. The GTI contains a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a deftly tweaked suspension that brings nice to the correct drivers, even throughout gradual commutes.
The R enjoys the service of a 315-horsepower model of the GTI’s turbocharged engine, plus a considerably upgraded suspension, bigger wheels and tires, plus some particular physique and cabin trim parts.
DSG Double-Clutch Transmission
And whereas each vehicles include 7-speed “DSG” double-clutch automated transmission, solely the GTI could be had with a handbook. Moreover, the R comes commonplace with VW’s “4MOTION” AWD system, whereas the GTI can solely be had with front-wheel drive.
Costs and Trim Ranges
Dedication to driving engagement could be measured right here not solely by the extent of content material discovered on the GTI and R, but in addition within the pricing. The sprightly GTI ranges in costs from $33,670 to $42,105. The Golf R represents a considerably higher dedication.
For 2025, the R is obtainable in two trim ranges:
- Base: $48,325
- Black Version: $49,640
The Black Version predictably consists of numerous black-themed accents, amongst them particular exterior trim, black-finish wheels, and distinctive headlight and grille remedies. Solely two colours are provided for the Golf R for 2025, Lapiz Blue and Mythos Black. And sure, the Black Version could be ordered in blue.
Each Golf R trim ranges are provided with the $3795 Euro Fashion Bundle, which, counterintuitively deletes extra tools than it provides. Extra on the Euro Bundle in slightly bit…
Shopper Information lately spent per week with a 2025 Golf R Black in Mythos Black outfitted with the Euro Fashion Bundle. All instructed, our take a look at automotive got here to $53,435 together with vacation spot cost.
Just like the Golf of yore, the Golf R is essentially a hatchback, and a sensible one at that. There’s an excellent quantity of passenger area, loads of cargo room, and glorious outward visibility. It is just these promising fundamental VW constructed a critical efficiency automotive.
The Golf R cabin is a clear and tidy area, with good trying trim, apparently glorious construct high quality, and good, if not nice, trying supplies. The ambiance is businesslike, however not offputtingly so. Simply classically German stoic.
There’s loads area within the entrance row, even for bigger guys corresponding to this editor, and an inexpensive quantity of rear-seat area, too. The open cabin feels shiny and ethereal, and as famous above, is straightforward to see out of in all instructions.
As in lots of Volkswagen of latest classic, we discovered the infotainment system to be gradual and recalcitrant. Our machine Bluetooth hyperlinks have been typically disconnected, and the native management system was inconsistently in a position to handle our music libraries. Moreover, for no matter motive, the automotive wouldn’t play music from our telephones in random order, as a substitute enjoying choices from the identical album, so as. Irritating for a brand new automotive. Word that we lately spent per week behind the wheels of the redesigned VW Taos small crossover, and located most of those points addressed satisfactorily.
Connectivity points apart, we discovered the Golf R to be a driver’s dream, mixing consolation with critical efficiency in a method previous-generation sporty Golf/Rabbits derivatives by no means did. Whereas the GTI was all the time frisky enjoyable, the Golf R is extra of a Mustang GT hunter, with the additional benefit of AWD.
Energy from the boosted 4-cylinder engines comes on shortly with little perceptible lag, and the accompanying engine roar and exhaust notice are a deal with to the engaged driver’s ear. The DCT transmission shifts easily however very aggressively, and its decisive actions might not attraction to most drivers.
The steering is agency in the absolute best method, requiring slightly heft to handle, and offering sensible suggestions. The brakes are robust and interact with authority, and appear unlikely to ever fade pushed off of a race monitor.
Trip high quality is one other matter. Critical drivers will settle for the R for what’s, however extra informal performance-car followers will need to this vitalized VW for an prolonged take a look at drive to make certain the automotive doesn’t pound the pavement slightly too rigidly for each day driving. We discovered the experience acceptable, it’s possible you’ll not. If not, critically contemplate the GTI.
We have to handle the Euro Fashion Bundle, and it’s considerably deceptive title. The $3795 choices is fairly hardcore, because it removes extra content material than it provides, all within the title of weight discount. Gone are the ability seats and sunroof, and added are a light-weight titanium exhaust system and reduced-mass 19-inch alloy wheels. Per VW, the package deal reduces the Golf’s curb weight by 80 kilos, all the way down to about 3225. Price it? That’s so that you can determine, however we predict the package deal is for less than probably the most hard-core fanatic.
There’s little in the best way of direct competitors to the Golf R. The hyper-caffeinated Toyota GR Corolla definitely deserves consideration, because it serves up a visceral commute in contrast to another sporty automotive, nonetheless, like my mom at an André Rieu live performance, the GR’s boundless nervous power exacts a toll over time, and could be fatiguing on longer journeys.
At $53,435, the Golf R comes expensive, however for individuals who recognize its potential, there’s an excellent deal right here to like. Word that we barely want the less-powerful, less-expensive GTI, principally for its less-intense extra carefree demeanor. However even at over $50,000, the Golf R is one thing of a cut price for these in search of critical efficiency. And, because it famous early, it’s reasonably sensible, too. Click on right here for extra Shopper Information opinions.
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2025 Volkswagen Golf R Black Version Photos
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